Shoaib rebuffs 'liposuction' story, says aiming for 'shock' comeback

Published: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 13:11 [IST]

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London, Dec. 20 (ANI): Controversial Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has lambasted reports about him having a liposuction surgery, adding that he has not given up hope of making a 'shock' comeback in Australia for the one-day series.

Speaking for the first time since reports about him undergoing a liposuction surgery were flashed in media all over nearly two months ago, Akhtar said it was a knee- surgery and not any fat removing surgery because of which he is out of competitive cricket.

"Everybody is talking about it, but this is the first time I've spoken on this. I don't need liposuction. I'm not fat. I'm a fit guy, I can reduce my weight by running," The Telegraph quoted Akhtar, as saying.

"These claims have shocked my world. But I am a strong man. I am happy to face the music. What people have to say about me just motivates me more," added the 34 year-old bowler.

Akhtar, who was dubbed 'Rawalpindi Express' due to his ferocious pace and accuracy, said he is hopeful of being picked for the one-day opener against Australia starting January 22.

The 46-Test veteran admitted that he had a friend who is a plastic surgeon, but insisted that he had never gone under the knife.

"I visit this man as a friend. I go to his clinic now and then and now it's the story of the world," Akhtar said.

Commenting on the drug abuse, he claimed that he had never used any performance enhancing drugs.

"I have never used that stuff, mate. I don't need to cheat with drugs. I have bowled more than 100mph for years, so why would I use drugs to enhance my performance? The story was this - the PCB tested the whole team. My normal nandrolone level was higher and my argument was this figure cannot be the same for every person on the planet," the fast bowler argued.

Akhtar, who has taken 178 Test wickets, also blasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for releasing a statement saying he had 'genital warts', due to which he was axed from the T20 World.

He maintains that he has an independent medical report, which cleared him of any sexually transmitted disease.

"The PCB's findings are a load of crap. The truth is I had skin tags. A doctor who treated me wrote this in his report and I gave this report to the PCB. It was high up on my thighs and from the running and training I developed a rash," Akhtar said. (ANI)